THWART

v., n., prep., & adv.

--v.tr. frustrate or foil (a person or purpose etc.).

--n. a rower's seat placed across a boat.

--prep. & adv. archaic across, athwart.

Etymology: ME thwert (adv.) f. ON thvert neut. of thverr transverse OE thwe(o)rh f. Gmc